Road
Bike Parts - articles
By Abu Fakhri
Assembling Our Bicycle Parts
Executive Summary about Road Bike Parts by Phil Carter
Bicycle parts are now high
technology and using the best possible materials for the job. Lightness and
strength are the most important guiding factors for producing the best quality
cycle parts. However all road bike parts
can work smoother with a bit of adjustment.
Gears, Chains, Brakes & Wheels
Gears, Chain-sets and wheels were
originally first made out of heavy steel. Then gradually, the alloys took over
and which are strong and durable enough to be used. As the technologies changed
and evolved, so did the materials and equipment.
The two main global manufacturers
are the Shimano from Japan and Campagnolo from Italy. Campagnolo was the main
manufacturer of cycle parts when Shimano started to emulate the Italians.
However with the advent of mountain bikes Shimano took over as the largest
manufacturer, but Campagnolo is still very popular with the road riders.
Shimano however calls the shots,
when it comes to the mountain bikes.
There are many other small
manufacturers who are specializing in making chain-sets, pedals, gears, brakes
and other trick-bits out of specialty materials like titanium and carbon fiber.
Bars, Stems & Seat Pins
There are plenty of companies
manufacturing handle bars and stems for road bikes and mountain bikes. Titanium
is ideal for Lite-speed titanium bicycles. Since it is not possible to bend
titanium, they will not come useful for road bikes, but for the mountain bike
straight bars, they are very often tried.
Carbon and other allows are most
suited to bars and stems. Since carbon fiber is light, strong and flexible
under stress, this makes wonderful material for comfort, but loses on
efficiency and power due to movement.
Alloy probably is the universal
choice. It is light and strong and can almost be bent into any shape. Whatever
you buy, look on that you do not unnecessarily add onto the weight, without
compromising on strength.
Saddles & Pedals
There are plenty of saddles to
choose from, but then finding the right one comes by trial. So get choosy, talk
with other professional riders and home on to the right choice.
Pedals used to have metal clips and
leather straps to hold our feet tight, but now we have clip less pedals. A
mechanism to enable us release our foot is also provided.
A Complete Fit
You always ride a bike better when
you know how it works.
Road Bikes Buyers Guide
Executive Summary about Road bike Part by Andrew Caxton
Do you like the road cycling? Want
to buy a new road bike? It depends on the level; keep reading and get the
perfect cycle for your level.
Bicycles For Low Level Riders
If you go to the larger sports shops
or bike stores they will have complete bicycles for sale, usually an alloy frame
with Shimano Tiagra or Campagnolo Mirage or a mixture of not much expensive
components, These bikes will be built to a price, will ride quite well, wont be
very light and is a good point to start. Bicycles For Touring And Possibly
Racing Mid Level Riders
You can buy a complete bike in this
category, in the bikes store, sports shop or even in the specialist magazines
or on the Internet. Alloy seat pin, handlebars and stem and a comfortable
saddle.
Bike For Racing And Pleasure
Designed For Top Level Riders
Probably your components would be
Shimano Ultegra or Campagnolo Chorus, unless you can afford the top components
of both manufacturers. Wheels will be probably Shimano, Mavic or Campagnolo,
deep carbon rims look fantastic and have a smooth ride, but will probably be
too expensive, best if you stick to alloy rims for high pressure tires as
tubulars, even though they ride wonderfully, will be expensive and a lot of
trouble. Handle bars, stem and seat pin could be alloy or carbon, if you have
the money. The frame is the heart of your bike and you will want a good one, at
this price range alloy is going to be the first choice with carbon forks and
possibly a carbon rear triangle. If you look around you might manage to find an
all carbon frame at this price, Giant make a very well priced carbon frame in a
compact, sloping design, there are others but you will have to spend a lot more
money.
Pro Bikes For Pro Level Riders.
When're looking at a lot of money
here if you want to buy a professional road bike. The frame will be all carbon
or titanium with carbon forks and maybe a carbon rear triangle or alloy main
tubes with carbon front or rear end. Same with the wheels, Dura-Ace or
Campagnolo Bora, these can be for high pressure clincher tires or tubulars,
tubulars are more trouble but do ride well, but clincher tires are very nearly
as nice and much more practical. The Best Bicycle You Can Afford.
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